Cops probe prank call that caused lockdown in Chi schools

By CINDY SCHARR

Friday, June 14, 2013

UPPER CHICHESTER - Police are investigating a prank call made from the Chichester Middle School Thursday that led to the lockdown of the entire district.

The call, which was made at approximately 9:15 a.m., initially appeared to have come from Hilltop Elementary School but actually was made from the middle school, authorities said. The caller said they needed help; someone had been shot.

Police from the district's four municipalities, the county and state police responded immediately and all district schools were locked down.

Authorities quickly learned the call was a prank, but went through each room of each school in the district as a precaution.

"It was one of those things, regrettably, that happened," said District Superintendent Barbara Marino.

Thursday was the last day of school for students. Seniors were at Neumann University practicing for graduation when the call was made.

The district was updating its Facebook page every 10 minutes to keep parents and the community up to date on the situation and posted a message on its website. Students were allowed to leave after the incident was resolved. Some students returned on Friday to pick up their belongings.

DiMarino said the district has held practice lockdowns in the past. The incident on Thursday, however, was no practice session.

"My staff did an amazing job," Marino said, praising the staff for their handling of the situation.

"Each and everyone one of the stepped up," she said. "We're just so very, very thankful nothing came of it."